The Polaroid SLR 690 is an instant camera. It was introduced to the world public by Polaroid in 1996. The SLR 690 is identical to the Polaroid SLR 680, except for a few minor details.
The Polaroid SLR 690 is an SLR camera and reminds of the classic Polaroid SX-70 in design and construction. Closed, it measures 24.5 x 10.5 x 2.5cm and weighs just under 800 grams.
The SLR 690 was manufactured in Japan by Nippon Polaroid Kabushiki Kaisha (Polaroid Corporation of Japan), the Japanese subsidiary of Polaroid. The SLR 680 was manufactured in the United States of America.
Another difference is the 4-bit microcontroller and that the screws are metric. Otherwise, it is very similar to the Polaroid SLR 680.
The Polaroid SLR 690 has a glass lens with four elements. The fixed focal length can be focused either manually or automatically, using the Polaroid Sonar autofocus system. The camera automatically sets the aperture and exposure time. These can be influenced by the light/dark slider. The camera does not have a completely manual mode.
The flash can be switched on if necessary. There is a thread for a tripod, which makes it possible to take pictures at longer shutter speeds without problems, and a connection for a strap.
Polaroid no longer produces film for the SLR 690. In the meantime, The Impossible Project has taken Polaroid’s place and is once again producing instant film for this format.
The films are sold under the Polaroid Originals brand. For black and white and color pictures with the SLR 690, Impossible currently has the Polaroid B&W Film for 600* and the Polaroid Color Film for 600* in its range. A battery in the film pack serves as the power source for the camera and flash. This is thus automatically changed with each film change.
There are eight pictures in a pack of Polaroid Originals instant films. In the past, there were ten. The frame counter is also equipped for this number. If it shows the number two, the new film is empty and you have to buy a new pack.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 79 mm x 79 mm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 2 elements |
| Exposure times | 1/180 second to 5 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Size | 24,5 x 10,5 x 2,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 9.65 x 4.13 x 0.98 inches |
| Weight | 800 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 584,83 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 11 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 753,59 Euro (815.05 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 655,26 Euro (708.97 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid SLR 690
Is the Polaroid SLR 690 a difficult camera to use?
No, it's relatively straightforward. The camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed, and you can adjust brightness with a simple dial. Focusing is done manually or with the autofocus system.
What kind of film does this instant camera use?
The Polaroid SLR 690 uses Polaroid 600 film, which is now produced by Polaroid Originals (formerly The Impossible Project). You can get both color and black and white film.
How many pictures can I take with one film pack?
Each Polaroid Originals 600 film pack contains eight photos. The camera's counter shows how many pictures are left. Remember, it used to have ten.
Does the instant camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash that you can switch on or off as needed. This is helpful in low-light conditions.
Where was this type of Polaroid camera manufactured?
The Polaroid SLR 690 was manufactured in Japan by Nippon Polaroid Kabushiki Kaisha, the Japanese subsidiary of Polaroid. This is different from the SLR 680, which was made in the USA.